Internet Archive Cracks Deal with Music Labels to Save Vintage Soundtracks

Internet Archive's Big Battle with Music Publishers Ends in Settlement In a major victory for music preservation, the Internet Archive has reached a settlement with several major record labels over its Great 78 Project, an effort to digitize and preserve early music recordings on fragile shellac records. The lawsuit, which had been ongoing since 2020, was settled confidentially, but sources close to the matter confirm that all parties have agreed to drop their claims. According to a court filing on Monday, UMG Recordings, Capitol Records, Sony Music Entertainment, and other record labels "have settled this matter" with the Internet Archive. While details of the settlement remain under wraps, industry insiders speculate that it may involve a payment or compromise on licensing fees for the digitized recordings. "We're thrilled to have reached a resolution," said Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, in an interview. "Our goal has always been to make these historic recordings available to the public, and we believe this settlement will allow us to continue that mission." The Great 78 Project, launched in 2005, aimed to digitize over 250,000 early music recordings from the 1920s to the 1940s. The project's recording engineer, George Blood, was also a target of the litigation, but it appears he will be released from any further liability. The lawsuit had sparked concerns among music preservationists and historians about the potential loss of access to these valuable recordings. "This settlement is a huge relief for us," said John Simson, executive director of the American Federation of Musicians. "We're glad that the Internet Archive can continue its important work preserving our cultural heritage." The settlement comes as a welcome development in an industry where music rights and ownership have long been contentious issues. As Kahle noted, "This is a victory for music preservation and for the public's right to access these recordings." While details of the settlement may not be publicly disclosed, sources indicate that parties will submit filings within the next 45 days to officially dismiss the lawsuit. For now, fans of early music can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that these fragile recordings are safe – at least for the time being. Background: The Great 78 Project has been a labor of love for the Internet Archive, which has worked tirelessly to digitize and make available over 250,000 early music recordings. The project's goal is to preserve these recordings before they deteriorate beyond repair. However, the lawsuit had threatened to derail this effort. Industry Insights: The settlement marks a significant shift in the music industry's approach to licensing and ownership. As Kahle noted, "This settlement shows that even the largest record labels can work together with preservationists to find solutions." Cultural Impact: The Great 78 Project has already had a profound impact on music history, providing access to recordings from legendary artists like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. The project's continued existence will ensure that these recordings remain available for generations to come. Next Developments: As the parties submit filings within the next 45 days, fans can expect more information about the settlement. For now, it appears that the Internet Archive has emerged victorious in its battle with music publishers – and early music enthusiasts everywhere should be grateful. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*